Disaster Response Underway in Tonga Amid COVID Concerns

Image copyright: NICT/ handout via AFP [via Al Jazeera]

The Facts

  • A massive undersea volcano erupted near Tonga, creating a damaging local tsunami that traversed the Pacific and created an "unprecedented disaster" for the island nation.

  • The twin disasters severed Tonga's connection with the outside world and caused catastrophic damage on its outer islands.


The Spin

Narrative A

The global humanitarian system is mounting a robust, swift, and appropriate response. Some aid will be remote to respect Tonga's COVID-free policies, while resources like safe drinking water will need to be delivered on-site.

Narrative B

This global response must be sensitive. Tonga is nearly COVID-free and aid agencies must avoid bringing the virus. Responders must also consider that the Pacific Island community has just faced cyclone-related natural disasters.